MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release: 15 October 2009

Environment Bay of Plenty has granted Carter Holt Harvey (CHH) and Norske Skog Tasman resource consent renewal for their Kawerau mill operations for a period of 25 years, subject to conditions. Carter Holt Harvey’s resource consent application for a new wood waste landfill was also granted for 25 years.

In deciding to renew the existing consents for air discharges and for the taking of water and discharging it into the Tarawera River, and to grant the landfill consent, the hearings commissioners considered a wide range of impacts and benefits.

The hearings commissioners were independent consultants David Hill (Chairman) and Alan Bickers, Environment Bay of Plenty Councillor Robin Ford and Whakatāne District Councillor Russell Orr.

Overall, the panel agreed that the renewal of the existing consents was appropriate because of the value of the existing investment, the exceptional circumstances and scientific evidence that there were no significant effects on the aquatic ecology. Under the new consents, there are conditions that require the consent holder to reduce adverse effects over time.

The commissioners found that “exceptional circumstances [under section 107 of the RMA] exist such that consent can be granted despite the fact that the discharge produces a conspicuous change in colour and visual clarity downstream of the mixing zone”. The finding of exceptional circumstances was qualified by the statement that this should not endure across time without limit.

One of the central concerns of many submitters to the Consent Hearing was concerns that the health, welfare and amenity values of the Tarawera River were being compromised.

In addressing this issue, the decision states: “We accept that the matter of river colour as a consequence of the treatment system discharge is offensive to a number of parties, and that this gives rise to genuine concerns about the health and welfare (both cultural and biological) of the river. However, the evidence does not support that concern – and certainly not to the extent that a decision to refuse consent necessarily ensues.”

“We accept expert evidence to the effect that the discharge has no significant adverse effect on the aquatic biology…We are left with a clear impression from submitters that the amenity value(s) of the river remains compromised by its colour and reduced clarity, and that this ‘symbolic’ degradation remains a significant issue.

“In our view, however, this matter alone is not sufficient to outweigh the considerable economic and social benefits provided throughout the forestry production sector by the Mill and its activities.”

Environment Bay of Plenty Councillor Robin Ford said there would be regular reviews, by an independent peer review panel, with the aim to reduce the discolouring of the water through the use of the best available technology and practices.

“This will serve to ensure that practicable advances in technology are kept in front of mind by both applicant [CHH and Norkse Skog Tasman] and the regulator [Environment Bay of Plenty] alike throughout the term of the consents.”

Granting the landfill application was considered appropriate because the environment was protected by the staged approach and the monitoring that had to be done before new stages were started.

CHH and Norske Skog Tasman’s had applied for a 35-year joint resource consent. The hearing was held from 3 and 14 August 2009 at Environment Bay of Plenty in Whakatāne. The hearing was adjourned until 25 August and then further adjourned until 3 September.

Submitters have 15 working days to lodge an appeal with the Environment Court.

The full decision is available on our website http://http://www.envbop.govt.nz

ENDS

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